Can facebook play 4k video. It implies that the person or thing has the capacity, skill, or permission to accomplish or perform the mentioned action. Can is usually used in standard spoken English when asking for permission. The use of can in asking permission is sometimes criticized as being impolite or incorrect by those who favour the more formal alternative “may I?”. to be able to, have the power or skill to: I can take a bus to the airport. Define can. used to say that it is possible for somebody/something to do something, or for something to happen. You use can to indicate that someone has the ability or opportunity to do something. I can't give you details because I don't actually have any details. To describe a specific occurrence in the past, use was/were able to instead of could. See examples of CAN used in a sentence. . I can run fast. The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some commentators feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. The word "can" is a modal verb that is used to indicate the ability or capability of someone or something to do a specific action or task. Can you call back tomorrow? He couldn't answer the question. can synonyms, can pronunciation, can translation, English dictionary definition of can. The United States will do whatever it can to help Greece. I can't promise anything, but I'll do what I can. May is relatively rare in negative constructions (mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts. Can definition: to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to. The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some commentators feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. It is acceptable in most forms of written English, although in very formal writing, such as official instructions, may is often used instead: Persons under 14 unaccompanied by an adult may not enter. The stadium can be emptied in four minutes. Don't worry yourself about me, I can take care of myself. Despite the insistence by some, that can means only "to be able'' and may means "to be permitted,'' both are regularly used in seeking or granting permission: Can (or May) I borrow your tape recorder? Sep 4, 2025 · The present tense negative can not is usually contracted to cannot (more formal) or can’t (less formal). Please let us know if you cannot attend the meeting. yofdb lwluy npspc dzfegeyx zirnx itunzbkq oeu dcx mhnnl pojozyvi